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Lilongwe has an approximate population of around 989,318 people and you can typically expect to pay around £0.76p for an equivalent pint of lager or beer.
Lilongwe is a bustling city in northern Malawi located in the Great Rift Valley. Its ancient, rural, ethnic-minority population has maintained its customs and ways of life for centuries, unlike the majority of other African cities where urbanization has crept in. Today, it is a blend of African, European and Chinese cultures, though many still speak English. The city has a great deal to offer both tourists and locals, with an amazing mixture of African and international shopping malls, colonial mansions and stunning scenery. A Lilongwe tour is a fun-filled way to discover the city.
The Lilongwe government's website describes the city as "a multi-ethnic centre of commerce, culture and government." The city was hit by a severe drought in the early part of the 20th century which led to the famine. In recent years, the tourism industry has boomed, due to the increase in number of foreign tourists, but the people are starting to get a little depressed because they are not seeing the money they have sent home. A Lilongwe safari gives you the opportunity to experience the life of an ethnic minority in Africa; to taste their food, speak their language and walk amongst their communities.
The best time to go to Lilongwe is between October and April, when the weather is perfect for a picnic on one of the surrounding lakes or at one of the reserve's game lodges. You will find that there are many game lodges dotted around the countryside near the lakes and rivers, serving as a perfect getaway for tourists to Lilongwe. While in town, you can try out one of the popular game lodges such as the Leedi Ruins, Lake Muhazi and Lake Idanga. You can book a guide service to take you around, but be sure to ask about the safari park you will be visiting, as it will make all the difference for your trip to Africa. Once you have reached Lilongwe, you can explore the nearby areas such as Mwandi and Twi Township. There are many historic buildings and museums in these areas, so you should spend some time looking around.
Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Malawi are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.
For up to date information around safety and security in Malawi read the Foreign & Commonwealth Office latest information for Malawi.
Malawi has a hot summer rainfall season from November to April so the best time to visit is during the drier winter months - early May to late October. Winter gets chilly high up on the northern Nyika Plateau but down on the shore of Lake Malawi you can expect warm, sunny and dry days.
There are several festivals in Malawi. The Evison Matafale Memorial Show is one of the most popular. The show is held every year to pay tribute to the legendary reggae musician. The concert features the country's best musicians and bands such as Black Missionaries. There is also the Likoma Summer Cultural festival, which brings the modern edge to traditional culture. The festival features dances, performances, and art exhibitions.
The festival takes place annually on the shores of Lake Malawi. It is a contemporary celebration of arts and culture. A large portion of the festival is dedicated to promoting tourism in the Likoma District. It is also a great chance for local residents to earn an income and enjoy the festivities. The festival is held in both the rainy and the wet seasons, and is a must-see for those visiting the country.
The Lake of Stars Festival started in 2004 and has since helped promote international and local tourism. The A4AY concerts and the Day of Ideas have also become popular. The festival will continue to host concerts and workshops, as well as events for kids. The Tumaini festival will take place on April 9th. The music festival will feature a performance by George Kalukusha, a soulful singer with a sound that reminds of Jack Johnson and Tracy Chapman.
The Lake of Stars festival is held in the city of Blantyre. This three-day festival features local artists as well as international performers. The crowd is filled with vibrant music and dance performances. The local and international musicians compete for the prize of best African band. A concert in the capital is an essential part of the culture. The festival is a must for anyone visiting Malawi. If you're planning a vacation to the island, consider taking advantage of the numerous festivals in Malawi.
There are several festivals in Malawi. The Lake of Stars Festival is the flagship of tourism in the country. This festival features the Children's Future Festival and the Lilongwe Shorts Film Festival. The Tumaini festival takes place at the Dzaleka Refugee Camp. The event attracts about 7 000 people from the surrounding areas. The Tumaini arts festival also features 46 performances in five different performance spaces. The performers represent five different nationalities. In the arts sector, the Tresor Nzengu Mpauni is known as Menes la Plume. During the Tumaini festival, the main goal of the Festival is to spread the Gospel.
The Festivals in Malawi celebrate the rich culture and tradition of the country. They include the Lake of Stars Festival, the Children's Future Festival, the Lilongwe Shorts Film Festival, the A4AY concerts, and the Likoma Summer Cultural Fest. A festival in the island is an annual event in the region, and a visit to the Island is highly recommended. While visiting Malawi, be sure to take time to visit the renowned Likoma Island.
The official currency of Malawi is the Malawian Kwacha (MWK). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Malawi you can grab amazing Malawian Kwacha deals via Wise.com (GBP to MWK).
Elephants, hippos, antelope species and bird life. Kasungu National Park is also home to elephants, as is Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve, where you'll also meet several antelope species, buffaloes and if you're lucky, leopards.
Afrikaans food? Nsima is the staple carbohydrate dish of Malawi. It is a thick starchy porridge made from corn, cassava or other starchy flour.
Apart from the two, other languages spoken in Malawi are Chinyanja Yao, Chiyao, Tonga, Chitumbuka, Nkhonde, Tumbuka, Lomwe, Lambya, Nyiha, Ndali, Kacchi, Kokola, Zulu, and Afrikaans. English as the official languages is used by many as a second language. You can learn some basic Afrikaans before you travel to Malawi and really impress the locals!
The currency in Malawi is the Malawian Kwacha (It is common to tip in cash, with the preferred currency in Malawi being US dollars, South African rand, or even euros or GB pounds, as these can easily be exchanged.).
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What is the time difference?
The GMT time difference is 2 hours